Most districts said “freezing,” “extremely cold” temperatures were the reason for the closures.

Raytown Schools said on Twitter the wind-chill advisory was a factor in the decision to cancel class and activities.

Due to the wind-chill advisory, schools in Raytown will be closed on Tues. January 16. Great Expectations Before and After School care will also be closed. No evening elementary activities. Middle and high school evening activities will run as scheduled.

The National Weather Service in Kansas City tweeted that residents in the area can expect “bitterly cold” temperatures Monday night, with wind chill values around negative 20 to negative 30 degrees by Tuesday morning.

Many districts, like North Kansas City, cancel school so students who wait at bus stops or walk to school don't have to be outside in such dangerous conditions.

A recent article from The Washington Post
said some districts use a wind chill of negative 25 degrees as a “tipping point” when deciding whether to keep their doors open.

The article also said closures depend on average temperatures in the area. While children in a state such as Minnesota may be more accustomed to such low temperatures, children in Missouri may be experiencing some of the coldest they ever have.

41 Action News Chief Meteorologist Gary Lezak said the overnight low from Monday into Tuesday is negative 4 degrees with northwest winds at between 10 and 20 mph.

According to a chart from the National Weather Service, that combination means frostbite could set in in as little time as 30 minutes.